Drunk driving contributes to many accidents every year in Ohio. Labor Day weekend usually sees one of the highest rates of car accidents caused by drunk drivers in the U.S., which is why the new program, “Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over,” was implemented.
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration reports that 10,000 people are killed every year in drunk driving accidents. Over Labor Day weekend during the last five years, more than 800 traffic fatalities happened due to drunk driving accidents across the U.S.
The Ohio State Highway Patrol knows the risks associated with drunk driving and is trying to crack down on drunk drivers across the state. The OSHP said they have arrested over 14,000 people this year already for drunk driving. While the number of arrests has declined slightly from last year, the OSHP said there are still too many drunk people getting behind the wheel.
As Labor Day approaches, law enforcement officials in Ohio are hoping that the new program will help prevent drunk driving accidents and keep intoxicated individuals from driving. As part of the program, more police officers will be on duty during the holiday weekend to catch drunk drivers and to have an increased presence in the community to remind drivers about the importance of having a sober driver.
The NHTSA said that research has shown that increased law enforcement can help to reduce drunk driving car accidents, and that fatal crashes caused by drunk driving can be reduced by 20 percent.
Drivers need to be aware of the dangers of drunk driving and make plans to have sober driver during Labor Day weekend. This will not only make sure you get home safely but it will also keep everyone else protected on Ohio roads.
Source: WCPO, “‘Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over’ program looks to cut down on drunk driving over Labor Day weekend,” Casey Weldon, Aug. 15, 2013